Despite The National Museum of Georgia being an amazing place for every visitor, witnessing that shot wagon in the entrance of the Soviet Occupation hall makes your soul empty... It changes your entire mood and makes you feel as if a huge stone was added to your backpack.
Yes, Georgia was a part of it (unfortunately) and there still are older people in the country who may say that those times were good (even more unfortunately).
Some Georgians can still be proud of their mustached 'compatriot' who led the Empire for about 30 years.
Well, if I was trying to tell the story briefly, I would mention the hundreds of thousands of victims of the regime, the quite a few attempts to vanish the Georgian language, the violent actions against peaceful demonstrations with permanently horrible results for Georgians, creating 3 autonomous republics on the territory of Georgia (2 of which the country still can't control), etc.
If it's still hard to understand what life was during the Soviet times, just have a look at these photos to imagine how Georgians (and not only) with different views were treated.
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This mosaic by Zurab Tereteli in Tbilisi was made for the Central bus station in 1973. It's a beautiful modernist Soviet work. Not enough people notice it!
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"Ska Juice Bar" in Tbilisi has any kind of healthy food you want. You sure will be surprised by how such healthy food can taste so good...
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It might not be the most original idea ever, but you know what to expect from a drive-in cinema, but "Cavea Cinemas (Drive-in Lisi) provides that & more!
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If you're like me and prefer active rest over passive, I think you will love the "Pro Climbers" bouldering gym in Tbilisi!
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Tuk Tuk is not just my favorite Thai restaurant in Tbilisi, it's my favorite spot for Asian nourishment - period!
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The ice skating rink in Tbilisi has so many memories for me... It still has my internal sense of freedom!
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"Terminal" in Tbilisi is a working space, an amazing communal place where even an introvert like me can enjoy the atmosphere and the amenities!
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The "Writers House" in Tbilisi has been a center for Georgian writers since Communist times. It's the ideal fusion of modernist and Georgian styles...
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"Mapshalia" is one of the rarest places in Tbilisi, especially if you love Megrelian cuisine. Try their Elarji & Gebjalia - everything's cheap & delicious!
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"Radio Cafe" is my new favorite spot in Tbilisi. It has the most delicious food, an absolute gem. The staff is also amazing. What can I say?
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At 2 Tona they brew beer on the spot in their giant machinery out in the open, and are known for their exceptional Khinkali...
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112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters